Nagas are passionate about music. Not only that. We are gifted with the innate ability to create, perform, understand musical concepts and appreciate music at a deeper level. This is evident in the proficiency level exhibited in our singing as well as through our skills in playing musical instruments. Yet, I often wonder how many Nagas can truly appreciate great works of art. It seems to me that our predilection for pop music has caused not only the desensitization of our aesthetic senses but has also marred our perception of what is real, noble and true. The function of great music in society is not just to provide aesthetic fulfillment. Great music stimulates the mind, builds character and serves as a powerful agent for cultural transformation. Bad art does just the reverse. If our musical appreciation and standards go only as far as the Hornbill rock festival or Naga Idol, something is grossly missing (let us also not forget the moral, spiritual, psychological repercussions). Our unexamined infatuation for pop culture and our irresistible addiction to its music has not only put us in a bubble, but is depriving us from the rich benefits of higher art forms.
From time to time, we read about Naga musicians who are actively pursuing serious art music and are taking the “road less traveled” in the arts. Just a few months ago we read about two violinists who were invited to play with an orchestra in one of the major cites in India. There was also a recent article about the Nagaland Singing Ambassadors performing an original choral work by a Naga composer, James Swu. We could cite more examples to inspire us. We are very fortunate to have an administration that is giving an unprecedented support for musical developments. With the rise of interest in pursuing music as a career and as an industry, this is an opportune time for musical reform and redirection of our rich musical resources.
Recently, I had the opportunity spend three weeks with Joey Woch, a promising talent from Nagaland who had come to the United States to participate in the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America's International Solo Competition held in Columbus, Georgia. This was made possible partially through the generous support of the Music Task Force. This annual convention brings the world's most talented classical guitarists from all over the world for a week of concerts, competitions, masterclasses and workshops. Joey is a highly skilled musician who happens to be an excellent classical guitarist, a violin player, and a gifted teacher. I had the opportunity to sit down and briefly interview him. Below is the transcript:
Ren Merry: You play both the violin and the guitar. Which are you most passionate about?
Joey Woch: Since I have been playing the guitar for quite a long time I guess it is the guitar, but I am learning to appreciate the violin because there is so much you can do with the violin.
RM: Tell me about the GFA Convention. You are the first from India to participate in such an event.
JW: I am very lucky to be the first from India to participate in such a prestigious competition, and just to be a part of it is an honor. It is quite frustrating that I came this far with the people in Nagaland expecting much but not making it to the finals, but I am glad that I participated with the world's best guitarists. There were forty-one of us out of which four were selected. There were fifteen countries represented. The level of playing was very high even at the youth levels. We Nagas are still very far behind, and I think our young people should start working on serious classical music.
RM: You definitely have the talent to compete at the international level. Do you plan to return?
JW: That is a very hard decision. I would love to, but finance is one important factor, and also family is another factor. Thirdly, I am teacher, that is my profession, and that is what I love to do, and leaving my students for a very long time effects their studies. As of now I need to just concentrate on my teaching. Maybe if opportunities come later, I might consider.
Naga classical guitarist Joey Woch, is seen here performing at a solo recital held in Greeley, Colorado on Friday, June 24.
From time to time, we read about Naga musicians who are actively pursuing serious art music and are taking the “road less traveled” in the arts. Just a few months ago we read about two violinists who were invited to play with an orchestra in one of the major cites in India. There was also a recent article about the Nagaland Singing Ambassadors performing an original choral work by a Naga composer, James Swu. We could cite more examples to inspire us. We are very fortunate to have an administration that is giving an unprecedented support for musical developments. With the rise of interest in pursuing music as a career and as an industry, this is an opportune time for musical reform and redirection of our rich musical resources.
Recently, I had the opportunity spend three weeks with Joey Woch, a promising talent from Nagaland who had come to the United States to participate in the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America's International Solo Competition held in Columbus, Georgia. This was made possible partially through the generous support of the Music Task Force. This annual convention brings the world's most talented classical guitarists from all over the world for a week of concerts, competitions, masterclasses and workshops. Joey is a highly skilled musician who happens to be an excellent classical guitarist, a violin player, and a gifted teacher. I had the opportunity to sit down and briefly interview him. Below is the transcript:
Ren Merry: You play both the violin and the guitar. Which are you most passionate about?
Joey Woch: Since I have been playing the guitar for quite a long time I guess it is the guitar, but I am learning to appreciate the violin because there is so much you can do with the violin.
RM: Tell me about the GFA Convention. You are the first from India to participate in such an event.
JW: I am very lucky to be the first from India to participate in such a prestigious competition, and just to be a part of it is an honor. It is quite frustrating that I came this far with the people in Nagaland expecting much but not making it to the finals, but I am glad that I participated with the world's best guitarists. There were forty-one of us out of which four were selected. There were fifteen countries represented. The level of playing was very high even at the youth levels. We Nagas are still very far behind, and I think our young people should start working on serious classical music.
RM: You definitely have the talent to compete at the international level. Do you plan to return?
JW: That is a very hard decision. I would love to, but finance is one important factor, and also family is another factor. Thirdly, I am teacher, that is my profession, and that is what I love to do, and leaving my students for a very long time effects their studies. As of now I need to just concentrate on my teaching. Maybe if opportunities come later, I might consider.
Naga classical guitarist Joey Woch, is seen here performing at a solo recital held in Greeley, Colorado on Friday, June 24.
RM: What is your advice to young aspiring Naga musicians?
JW: We cannot deny that Nagas are very talented, but what we lack is our ability to strive for excellence. We are more satisfied with playing very easy popular songs and most of us are not aware of serious art music that has deeper meaning. To appreciate that we need to listen to a lot of good music and also learn the basics of theory and history.
RM: What would you like to see happen in Nagaland musically?
JW: I would like to see more young people get interested in classical music. Hopefully in the near future we can have an orchestra.
RM: You teach at a private studio in Dimapur. How can interested students get in touch with you?
JW: As of now I have not advertised my studio, but through friends passing the word around I have a full schedule, however, students can reach me at: joeywoch@yahoo.com.
RM: Thank you.
It is my prayer and desire that we would see more Nagas with a vision, the determination and discipline to strive for excellence in the arts. To Naga Christians who are musicians: You have a great responsibility and the privilege to serve our society as an artist. Do not let the surrounding culture influence you with its values and standards. Rather be an agent of change using your art. This is possible only as we strengthen our walk with the Lord through a disciplined life of daily prayer and meditation on His Word. Secondly, we need to hone our musical skills through disciplined devotion and daily practice. It is the tool the Lord has given us to serve Him and our society.
Institutions like Patkai Christian College seem like our last standing pillar against the relentless pounding of pop/rock music, as it continues to encourage good music through its commitment to excellence. It should serve as a model to us. Finally, let us not forget that the main purpose of music should have an ultimate goal – The great glory of the Lord. Can we afford to have it any other way?
JW: We cannot deny that Nagas are very talented, but what we lack is our ability to strive for excellence. We are more satisfied with playing very easy popular songs and most of us are not aware of serious art music that has deeper meaning. To appreciate that we need to listen to a lot of good music and also learn the basics of theory and history.
RM: What would you like to see happen in Nagaland musically?
JW: I would like to see more young people get interested in classical music. Hopefully in the near future we can have an orchestra.
RM: You teach at a private studio in Dimapur. How can interested students get in touch with you?
JW: As of now I have not advertised my studio, but through friends passing the word around I have a full schedule, however, students can reach me at: joeywoch@yahoo.com.
RM: Thank you.
It is my prayer and desire that we would see more Nagas with a vision, the determination and discipline to strive for excellence in the arts. To Naga Christians who are musicians: You have a great responsibility and the privilege to serve our society as an artist. Do not let the surrounding culture influence you with its values and standards. Rather be an agent of change using your art. This is possible only as we strengthen our walk with the Lord through a disciplined life of daily prayer and meditation on His Word. Secondly, we need to hone our musical skills through disciplined devotion and daily practice. It is the tool the Lord has given us to serve Him and our society.
Institutions like Patkai Christian College seem like our last standing pillar against the relentless pounding of pop/rock music, as it continues to encourage good music through its commitment to excellence. It should serve as a model to us. Finally, let us not forget that the main purpose of music should have an ultimate goal – The great glory of the Lord. Can we afford to have it any other way?
renandtammie@yahoo.com
